Twelve Moraine Park Technical College students recently graduated from a 15-week Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist Boot Camp. In front, from left, are Wisconsin Dept. of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson and students Matthew Metrusias, Jeremy Blonigen, Diane Stepp, Patrick Enright and Jason Sippel. In back are Frank Vroman, Paul Dadian, Bob Lepak and Alex Anderson

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For The Reporter Media

When Diane Stepp was laid off last August, she probably didn't think that six months later she would be recognized by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

In Walker's Jan. 16 State of the State address, the Fond du Lac woman was among those honored for completing a vigorous 15-week Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist Boot Camp through Moraine Park Technical College. Stepp was one of 12 graduates who completed the first boot camp funded through the Wisconsin Covenant Foundation Inc.

The only female in her CNC class, Stepp was not intimidated by her fellow students after growing up with five ...